UCLA Falls to Tennessee in Women’s College World Series Elimination Game

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UCLA battled hard in their final game of the Women's College World Series.

News Summary

UCLA’s journey in the Women’s College World Series ended with a close 5-4 loss to Tennessee in a dramatic elimination game. The Bruins showcased resilience, battling back to tie the game with impressive home runs before falling short in the ninth inning. While UCLA’s season was marked by strong performances and records, the team’s inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities proved costly. Tennessee’s win advances them to the semifinals against Texas.

Oklahoma City, OK – UCLA’s run in the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) came to a heart-wrenching conclusion when they sustained a narrow 5-4 defeat to Tennessee in an elimination game on Saturday. The game ended dramatically in the bottom of the ninth inning when Laura Mealer hit a walk-off single to secure victory for the Volunteers.

Tennessee’s win sets them up for a semifinal match against Texas, scheduled for 9 a.m. PDT on Monday. The Volunteers wrapped up their season with a commendable record of 47 wins and 16 losses, while UCLA finished the season with a strong performance, ending with 55 wins and only 13 losses.

The ninth inning proved pivotal for UCLA as they had runners in scoring position but were unable to convert those opportunities into runs, marking a significant moment that could have changed the game’s outcome. Earlier in the game, the Bruins had shown offensive strength, highlighted by a two-out, two-run homer from Megan Grant, which was her 26th home run of the season. This impressive hit also set a new Big Ten single-season record, bringing excitement for the team and their supporters.

Grant’s home run was initially under review due to concerns about whether she had properly touched home plate. Ultimately, the ruling upheld that she did touch the plate, which allowed the runs to count despite the initial controversy.

UCLA’s offense was further bolstered by solo home runs from Alexis Ramirez and Sofia Mujica, both contributing crucial runs that kept the team competitive throughout the match. UCLA initially fell behind early in the game as Tennessee took the lead in the first inning when Mealer’s single brought two runners home.

The Bruins responded by tying the game with the home runs from Ramirez and Mujica, showcasing their resilience. However, the Volunteers regained the lead in the fifth inning following a two-run homer from Taylor Pannell, putting pressure back on UCLA’s offense. Starting pitcher Kaitlyn Terry had a challenging outing, pitching five innings and allowing eight hits and four runs while striking out seven Tennessee players. Taylor Tinsley came in as a reliever, pitching for 3.1 innings and allowing three hits alongside four walks.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, UCLA’s coach expressed pride in the team’s ability to fight back and display resilience throughout the game. This determination resonated with fans who supported the Bruins throughout the high-stakes tournament.

UCLA’s participation in the Women’s College World Series showcased their talent and tenacity, culminating in a season marked by impressive statistics and memorable moments. As the Bruins look to regroup and prepare for future seasons, their standout performances and records may serve as a foundation for continued growth in women’s college softball.